By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission will consider approving an increase in per-pound fees for disposing of household hazardous waste during its 8:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday.
The change applies only to individuals or businesses disposing of more than 55 pounds per month. Ellis County residents will still have free disposal for smaller amounts, with some exceptions.
Justin Craig, county environmental services director, will meet with the commission. The current rates have not been updated since 2017, and increased disposal costs now require an adjustment.
Entities that exceed the monthly limit must use a commercial disposal service. The new rates would take effect Jan. 2.
Vaccine purchase to finish 2025
Melissa Miller, the county’s health director, will request approval of a $53,500 purchase order to fund the remaining 2025 vaccines. The county returned to direct vaccine ordering after ending its contract with VaxCare in 2024.
A previous purchase order covered the first half of 2025. The new order will be paid from the health department’s end-of-year budget.
Ellis County Library board update
Kylie Honas of the Ellis County Library Board will provide an update on the board’s work throughout the year. Since the board was formed too late to prepare a 2025 budget, the commission had previously approved $10,000 in startup funds.
So far, only about $1,500 has been spent. The board still has fees due for 2025 that fall under the original $10,000 allocation.
Public Works Enterprise Asset Management solutions
Brendan Mackay, county public works director, will ask for approval to award the bid for a new Enterprise Asset Management system to OpenGov, replacing the county’s outdated system.
The system would improve workflow across public works divisions under a proposed five-year contract. The roughly $176,490 cost would be covered using the department’s remaining 2025 budget allocations.
Other business
Fort Hays State University President Tisa Mason will give updates from the university.
Two property owners will meet with the commission to discuss Wheatland Avenue, which runs north of Fort Hays State Tech North Central to 27th Street. They are seeking clarification on who is responsible for maintaining the road.
The commission will be asked to approve the annual review of the Ellis County Solid Waste Management Plan, which includes minor updates.
The Gemini Juniors 4-H club, with support from a local Scout troop, will ask for permission to decorate the trees just North of the Hays Public Library. This continues an annual tradition.
You can view the full agenda here.